Opening the conference, Mr. Nizami Mamishev, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on External Relations of St. Petersburg, emphasized the importance of joint scientific efforts in addressing global environmental challenges. His remarks set the stage for a day of dialogue that brought together over 100 participants, including scientists, forestry experts, students, and lecturers from both nations.

From Tanzania, the conference featured contributions from Siima Salome Samson Bakengesa, Head of the Forest Production Directorate at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Jared Elly Otieno, Head of Forest Resources Monitoring and Assessment at the Tanzania Forest Services Agency, Greyson Zabron Nyamoga, Head of Forest and Environmental Economics at Sokoine University of Agriculture, and Chelestino Peter Balama, Director of Forestry Research at the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute. Their presentations highlighted Tanzania’s forest management practices, key challenges, and potential areas for collaboration, while Russian experts shared insights from their own forestry sector, creating a vibrant exchange of knowledge and perspectives.

At the heart of the discussions was a shared vision to strengthen Centers of Excellence in forest science and education in both countries. Participants explored how these centers could foster joint research, influence policy, train future leaders, and enhance the global competitiveness of specialists from Russia and Tanzania.

By the close of the conference, one message resonated strongly: sustainable forest management demands strong cross-border partnerships. While the joint expedition has officially concluded, it has paved the way for deeper cooperation and innovation in forestry research and education.